Nakisa Bidarian is a prominent sports business executive known for his strategic roles in combat sports promotion. He is the co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a boxing promotion company established in 2021 alongside influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. MVP has gained significant attention for organizing high-profile events, including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout and the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy, which became the first-ever live professional sporting event on Netflix, amassing over 108 million live views.
Before his venture into boxing promotion, Bidarian had a notable tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He joined the organization in 2011 and served as the Chief Financial Officer from 2016 until his departure in 2016. During his time at UFC, Bidarian played a pivotal role in the company’s $4 billion sale to Endeavor, marking one of the largest transactions in sports history.
In addition to his work with MVP, Bidarian is the founder of BAVAFA Sports, a sports, media, and talent advisory firm. He also serves as an Executive-in-Residence at Dynasty Equity and holds positions with the Professional Fighters League and Simplebet, further solidifying his influence in the sports industry.
Bidarian’s impact extends beyond business strategy; he has been instrumental in elevating women’s boxing. Under MVP’s banner, fighters like Amanda Serrano have achieved significant milestones, including lifetime promotional deals and increased visibility for women’s boxing.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Nakisa Bidarian was born on January 12, 1978, in Iran. Amidst the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War, his family sought refuge in North America. They initially settled in London before moving to the United States, eventually establishing their home in Toronto, Canada, during the late 1980s. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Nakisa was exposed to diverse perspectives, which influenced his global outlook.
Academic Pursuits
Demonstrating a keen interest in economics and finance, Nakisa pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics from the University of Waterloo in Canada. Further honing his expertise, he earned an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, equipping him with the skills necessary for high-level strategic roles in the business world.
Career Trajectory
Early Professional Experience
Nakisa’s professional journey commenced at Accenture, where he worked as a financial consultant. He then transitioned into investment banking, holding positions at Citigroup and Morgan Stanley. His work primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions, providing him with a solid foundation in corporate finance.
International Exposure
In 2007, Nakisa moved to the United Arab Emirates, joining Mubadala Development Company. As Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, he was responsible for international real estate investments, gaining valuable experience in global markets.
Role at Fertitta Entertainment
Nakisa’s next significant role was at Fertitta Entertainment, where he served as Senior Vice President of Investment and Strategy. His strategic insights contributed to the company’s growth and expansion in the entertainment sector.
Tenure at UFC
In October 2011, Nakisa joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Ventures. He was later appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), overseeing the company’s financial operations. Notably, he played a crucial role in the UFC’s sale to Endeavor, Silver Lake, and KKR for approximately $4 billion in 2016.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
After his tenure at UFC, Nakisa co-founded Fertitta Capital, an investment firm focusing on sports, media, and entertainment. He then established BAVAFA Sports in 2019, a sports, media, and talent advisory firm. In 2021, he co-founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with Jake Paul, aiming to revolutionize the boxing industry by providing a platform for fighters and engaging a new generation of fans.
Personal Life
Family Life
Nakisa is married to Vanessa Milde Bidarian, a model, fitness enthusiast, and Pilates instructor. Together, they have a son named Barbad, born on June 1, 2016.
Public Presence
Nakisa maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter (@nakisa_bidarian) and Instagram (@nakisabidarian), where he shares insights into his professional endeavors and personal interests.
Net Worth
While exact figures regarding Nakisa Bidarian’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his extensive career in high-level financial and strategic roles, coupled with his entrepreneurial ventures, suggest a substantial financial standing. His involvement in significant transactions, such as the $4 billion UFC sale, further underscores his financial acumen.
Conclusion
Nakisa Bidarian’s journey from a young immigrant to a leading figure in the sports and entertainment industry is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight. Through his ventures, particularly Most Valuable Promotions, he has significantly influenced the evolution of combat sports, blending traditional athleticism with modern entertainment. As he continues to shape the future of sports promotion, Nakisa’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide.
FAQs
What is Nakisa Bidarian known for?
Nakisa Bidarian is known for co-founding Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with Jake Paul and serving as the former Chief Financial Officer of the UFC.
Where was Nakisa Bidarian born?
Nakisa was born in Iran and later moved to North America during his childhood.
What role did Nakisa play in the UFC’s sale?
As CFO, Nakisa played a pivotal role in orchestrating the UFC’s sale to Endeavor, Silver Lake, and KKR for approximately $4 billion in 2016.
What is BAVAFA Sports?
BAVAFA Sports is a sports, media, and talent advisory firm founded by Nakisa Bidarian in 2019.
Who is Nakisa Bidarian’s wife?
Nakisa is married to Vanessa Milde Bidarian, a model, fitness enthusiast, and Pilates instructor.
Does Nakisa Bidarian have children?
Yes, Nakisa and his wife have a son named Barbad, born on June 1, 2016.
What is Nakisa Bidarian’s educational background?
Nakisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
What is Nakisa Bidarian’s role at Dynasty Equity?
Nakisa serves as an Executive-in-Residence at Dynasty Equity, contributing his expertise in sports and media investments.
